Vernal Express | 1980-05-01 | Page 4 | School and Home

SchooLjprv Home j J Dr. Daryl J. McCarty Executive Secretary Utah Education Association Teaching opportunities "Billy," called Dad, "Will you please get your room straightened up and do a good job." "I'll try, Dad," responded eight-year-old Billy. A short while later, Billy's Dad checked his room. The bed was as wrinkled as a junkyard auto. Magazines and candy wrappers adorned the floor. A half-eaten peanut butter sandwich lay on the dresser. "I thought I asked you to do a good job," said Dad. "I told you I would try," responded Billy, "and I did." This presented a great lesson opportunity op-portunity for both Billy and his dad. What might be expected by an adult and by a child could be miles apart. On the other hand, had Billy really accepted the full responsibility implied in his statement, "I'll try"? Was his commitment to try really a commitment? com-mitment? try to please Dad'' do minimally whatever was necessary to keep Dad from Retting angry? Understanding what can rightfully be expected means considering each individual in-dividual child's abilities and capabilities. It means really knowing the child. Really getting a child's best effort means developing an understanding un-derstanding that trying implies one's full effort, and concentration uii thf. matter. The parent who explains a task thoroughly to a child has completed only a fraction of the parental duties Next, the parent should follow through by inspecting the child's work, evaluating it, and giving the youngster praise or suggestions. Great moments to teach come about frequently when dealing with children If we are alert to them w e can help our children become well-adjusted, hardworking, hard-working, dependable individuals. And when Billy says. "I'll try." it means Dad won't find thai room looking like a war zone iillll Some people once believed that itrewing fern-seed on the ground would reveal to them the site of buried treasure.